The Covenanters of Damascus; A Hitherto Unknown Jewish Sect

"The Covenanters of Damascus; A Hitherto Unknown Jewish Sect" by George Foot Moore is a historical investigation into a mysterious Jewish group in Damascus. The book examines newly discovered writings from a synagogue storage room to expose the sect's unique view on Jewish law, their traditions, and their place in history, especially during the time of the Seleucid Empire. Moore begins by presenting manuscripts that reveal the sect’s ideas, called the Covenanters of Damascus. The book describes the writings' structure, containing advice, beliefs, and rules for the community, and it follows the group's past, stating they began as Israelites who moved to Damascus, creating a new agreement to strongly follow their law interpretation. The writings show a strict, rule-based mindset, and a vision of future destruction, highlighting the sect's strong confidence in their ideas and their opposition to common Jewish customs.